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Government plans to give cohabitants in England and Wales financial rights similar to married couples

Government plans to give cohabitants in England and Wales financial rights similar to married couples
David Lammy | No.10 Flickr
ET staff writer
ET staff writer
26 June, 2026 1 min read

The government has announced plans which will give unmarried couples who live together similar financial rights as married couples.

But critics say the plans, which would apply to couples in England and Wales, will further erode the status of marriage.

A consultation on the plans was launched by the Ministry of Justice on 5 June and it will run for 10 weeks, closing on 14 August.

The proposals relate to financial help for cohabiting couples who are breaking up, or where a partner dies without a will.

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